Hashim Ali, Dal Lake Shikara Fruit Seller, Offers Free Fruit Chaat to Tourists After Pahalgam Attack
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – In the heart of Srinagar’s famous Dal Lake, where the soft splash of oars and the quiet hum of shikaras set a peaceful rhythm, a humble fruit seller named Hashim Ali has turned his small boat into a symbol of solidarity and compassion. In a heartfelt gesture that has touched many, Hashim has begun offering free fruit chaat to tourists, hoping to spread kindness in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, including several tourists.
A Response of Kindness Amid Tragedy
The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, one of the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in two decades, has left a deep scar across the Valley. The tragedy prompted security concerns, travel anxieties, and emotional distress—particularly among those visiting or planning to visit Kashmir.
But Hashim Ali, a shikara-based fruit vendor who has spent years catering to visitors on the shimmering waters of Dal Lake, decided to respond differently—not with fear or silence, but with generosity and empathy.
“I don’t have much,” Hashim told local media, “but I have fruits, and I have love for those who come to visit my Kashmir. Offering a bowl of fruit chaat is the least I can do to show that this land still cares, that we are not defined by terror.”
Creating Safe, Welcoming Spaces
Hashim’s initiative began the day after news of the Pahalgam attack spread. Tourists visiting Dal Lake noticed something unusual: Hashim waving them over and refusing to take money for his signature fruit chaat. “This is for peace,” he would say with a gentle smile, ladling fresh fruit into paper bowls aboard his vibrantly decorated shikara.
His act has since gained attention on social media, with posts praising his “humanity in times of heartbreak” and calling him “the real face of Kashmir.” Many visitors have been moved to tears by his gesture, some even returning later with small gifts or words of appreciation.
Tourist Rehana Qureshi from Mumbai shared her experience: “When we came to Kashmir, our families were worried. But meeting people like Hashim restored our faith. His fruit chaat was delicious, but his kindness was unforgettable.”
More Than Just a Gesture
While Hashim’s offering may seem simple, it carries a powerful message: terror cannot silence compassion. In a region long affected by conflict, his shikara has become a floating sanctuary of hope. His story reminds both locals and outsiders that Kashmiris, especially those whose livelihoods depend on tourism, are deeply invested in peace.
Hashim also hopes that his gesture will encourage more acts of kindness, saying, “We don’t need to be rich to help. A small effort can change someone’s heart.”
A Call for Unity
Hashim’s story arrives at a time when unity is needed most. As authorities tighten security and investigations into the Pahalgam attack continue, the people of Kashmir are doing their part to ensure that love and hospitality rise above fear and violence.
In the words of one passerby: “Terrorists tried to scare the world away from Kashmir. But Hashim, with just a bowl of fruit, reminded everyone what Kashmir truly is—a place of warmth, culture, and unmatched beauty.”
Conclusion
As the sun sets behind the Zabarwan mountains and shikaras glide across Dal Lake, Hashim Ali continues to serve fruit chaat with a smile, turning grief into grace, and fear into friendliness. In doing so, he has not only honored the memory of those lost in the Pahalgam attack but has also rekindled the spirit of Kashmiriyat—a legacy of harmony, hospitality, and resilience.
